NOTES: This takes place directly after The Last Command -- meaning it veers wildly from the canonized version of events taking place afterward. As such, this is an AU story, one which I hope won't come across as too far-fetched or overdone. Mara Jade might seem a little too cozy with our Jedi Knight, but it has long been my firm belief that the final chapter of The Last Command made it clear that her hatred of Luke had disappeared with his clone and the Emperor's voice. They seemed to get along very well all through the last book, and this is an extension of that…plus a few twists. Please, R&R -- your criticisms and commentary are a vital part of my writing process! I will do my best to answer any questions you have or to address any problems or issues you point out. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: STAR WARS is the property of George Lucas and Lucasfilm LTD. I do not own it, nor is this an attempt to profit from it.

LYRICAL CREDIT: Song lyrics used for the story's title, as well as this chapter title, are from the song "Everything Changes" by Staind, off of their album Chapter V. The lyrics are worth looking up -- I draw many parallels between them and the relationship Luke and Mara have.

EVERYTHING CHANGES
by sweetdetection

Chapter One
Moments of Disarray

The original plan had been for her to get off-planet as quickly as possible. The cold-hard reasoning was that an air of neutrality needed to be re-established and this time, maintained. But the real reason…that was far more delicate, far more personal. Mara Jade frowned at the datapad in her hand, wondering why she was still sitting here, in the apartments set aside for her in the Imperial Palace on Coruscant, nearly two months after the victory at Wayland and the destruction of the Empire's cloning facilities.

We'll never get back to regular business practices if Karrde and I don't get off-planet, she thought with a touch of defensiveness. But as the Empire had been shoved back steadily after Grand Admiral Thrawn's demise, neutrality seemed to be becoming less and less important: systems were flocking to the New Republic, and though there were plenty of places in the galaxy that had no interest in petitioning the new government for admittance, it was clear that the power had shifted back in the Republic's favor -- and this time, that power shift looked permanent.

Still, an organization like Talon Karrde's wouldn't profit from being openly affliated with the New Republic. Politics was an important part of their business, of that there was no question -- but its importance stemmed from the money that could be made from playing both sides, not from acting as an extension of the New Republic's Intelligence unit.

She sighed and stood, stretching as her mind came to inevitable answer to the question of her extended stay: Luke Skywalker. Her thoughts shied from him reflexively. Now, two months after she'd freed herself from the shadow of her past -- or, more accurately, the shadow of the Emperor's ghost, -- she still wasn't sure exactly where he fit into her life, or where he was supposed to fit into hers. Every couple of days the two of them met to strengthen her skills in the Force, and she found herself beginning to look forward to the sessions. Luke was a good teacher, and she enjoyed working to master the tasks he set for her, working for tighter control over her abilities and, inescapably, working for his delighted approval as she continued to make progress.

Without the Emperor's hatred driving her own, Mara was finding that her own emotions concerning Skywalker were a lot less hostile -- and a lot more confusing. One thing was for sure, any desire to kill him had died along with his clone at Wayland. But as the pair edged cautiously closer to something resembling friendship, Mara felt the beginnings of doubt creep in. For one, maintaining neutrality would be all but impossible if she was hanging around with the New Republic's heroic Jedi Knight, not to mention the fact that she was a little wary of his power. It wasn't his fault, but she knew what Force-users were capable of, and though he was the pillar of goodness and decency in the galaxy, Mara's trust issues ran deep.

She blew out a sigh. She had often wondered at her own lack of hostility over the past few months -- not just her lack of hostility for Skywalker, but for the rest of his family and his government as well. The simple fact was that she had moved on, created her own destiny. It was something Skywalker had gently reminded her of just two days ago, smiling slightly. She had felt his private pride in her, and it had made her realize something: she was rather proud of herself, as well. And though the New Republic had locked her up just a few months ago, they had been trying to make up for their blunder.

Her eyes flicked to the glass door leading to her balcony, and beyond it the breathtaking view of the city below. They'd really been trying to make up for it. These days, rather than in the detention block, she was residing in the luxurious company of Mon Mothma, many New Republic Councilors, General Garm Bel Iblis, the Solos, and Skywalker himself.

Slowly, she made her way toward the balcony, clasping her arms over her chest as she made her way out into the cool night air. She took a deep breath. Yes, it would probably be better to convince Karrde to fly out tomorrow morning, to get back to work as well as to put some distance between her and Skywalker, at least until she was sure how she should handle their…arrangement.

And yet…

She took another deep breath and as she exhaled, she closed her eyes and opened her focus, stretching out with her mind into the Force. As her body relaxed, supported by the stone railing of her balcony, she searched the upper levels of the palace until she found it…Skywalker's warm and vibrant presence in the Force. For once, he seemed at peace, probably lost in the Force himself. She brushed against his thoughts with a delicacy she hadn't been able to manage a few months ago, marveling again at his calm, at the core of goodness in him.

He was drawing her in without realizing it, and suddenly Mara wasn't just delicately brushing the edges of his sense, she was connecting with it directly, drawing clarity and peace of mind from him. And he was becoming aware of her, gently seeking a connection of his own, careful to keep from probing her thoughts and therefore allowing her to come to him.

-You're getting good at that.- His voice was warm and soft through the Force, and she could detect the underlying amusement. She allowed herself a smile, remembering a nearly identical conversation on the palace roof just two months ago.

-Your fault for teaching me too well,- she sent back. He seemed to be chuckling in agreement, and she could catch a fleeting thought: good to have someone to talk to this way…

But surely he had similar encounters with his sister? Leia Organa Solo hadn't had much free time to train with Luke, but she had been able to communicate with Mara and vice versa through the Force in the past.

-Not the same.- A touch of wryness entered his sense, but there was no bitterness or anger attached to it. Instead, there was only the quiet acceptance of his sister's roles and duties, and of his own. -She has so many other things on her mind…I try not to distract her too much. When Mon Mothma and the galaxy do let her rest, it's never for very long.-

-Tough job,- Mara thought to him, sending him a bit of sympathetic understanding. Since Thrawn had taken over the Empire, they'd all been running at full speed. And now that he'd been stopped, there were still many things to do. Picking up the pieces of the nearly-successful Imperial assault was proving to be a full-time job for the still-young New Republic.

-Somebody's got to do it. Can you think of a better person for the job than Leia?-

Mara smiled and shook her head, though he couldn't see. -Offhand? Not a single candidate. Still, I wouldn't want to be in her shoes these days.-

-I'm with you on that one.- There was a pause, and she felt a twinge of emotion from him, a bit of resignation and a bit of dread and a bit of loneliness all wrapped together. -You'll be leaving soon?-

She started, surprised. She hadn't thought she'd let that thought slip out into the open for him to pick up on. But before she could ask how he knew, he clarified.

-Karrde mentioned it was well past time that the two of you got back out there, to your business. He's been having Ghent contact all of your people for a rendezvous.- She felt his mental wince. -And I suppose there's not much here on Coruscant for you anymore.-

Which was, at least from a certain point of view, very true. She felt no connection to this place as the Emperor's former home, and she wished no permanent connection with the New Republic that now inhabited the palace. Still, she was a bit reluctant to leave, and uncomfortably she suspected that Skywalker might have something to do with that.

-I expect we'll be heading out sooner rather than later,- she confirmed. -Probably in the next few days.-

Again, acceptance rippled through his Force-sense. He hadn't really expected her to stay as long as she had, anyway. After all, she was being groomed as Karrde's second-in-command, and they had quite an extensive business to run. A business that wouldn't wait until they got back.

-Yes, I'm sure Karrde is starting to regret staying as long as he has, anyway, even though he's been instrumental in setting up the Smuggler's Alliance. And anyway, I might not be sticking around much longer myself.-

That caught her by surprise. Considering that the threat to the galaxy had been successfully derailed, she had expected Luke to welcome the time to spend with his new nephew and niece.

-Not more trouble, I trust?- she sent, and wry humor washed through him. They were both well-aware of his knack for getting into sticky situations.

-No, nothing like that,- he assured her. -It's just…well, one day I'm going to have to train Jacen and Jaina, and there are other Force-users out there as well. If I'm to be the first of the new Jedi, I had better get to finding them. Besides…- She felt an unexpected touch of self-consciousness enter his sense. -I want to get in some experience as a teacher before I start training the twins. I wouldn't want to…to…-

-Mess it up?- she offered helpfully. She felt his brief shock at her blunt assessment and then, his reluctant amusement.

-I suppose that's the easiest way to put it,- he agreed. -I'm not even sure how old they should be when their training starts…-

-Palpatine started mine pretty young,- Mara told him thoughtfully. -Although I'm not sure you'd want to follow that example. Still, I'm sure you'll know when it's time. Especially if they start making Pops float around the living room-

She could feel Luke's laughter as he pictured the great ex-General Han Solo, floating helplessly near the ceiling of his living room at the complete mercy of his young children, then laughed herself as he projected the mental image to her. She threw in a twist of her own, adding a gently somersaulting Chewbacca to the image.

-Leia would kill me,- he told her, but she could tell he was tempted to try the trick himself. Mara's smile widened.

-You're brave, Skywalker, but I don't think anyone's that brave.- As she controlled her laughter, Mara realized that Luke Skywalker was an easy man to get comfortable with. Unassuming, trusting, and heartbreakingly earnest, the Jedi's presence was an invitation to relax. Even in the heat of battle, knowing he was on your side could be a huge comfort. Mara wasn't accustomed to letting her guard go, but his farmboy nature brought her shields down before she even realized they were gone.

Which wasn't to say that she didn't continue to guard her privacy like a wounded rancor -- she did. But when the clone Luuke had died, the old hate and the old pain had been swept away as well. She had finally, for the first time since she could remember, been her own, completely under her own control. She was free to make her own destiny. A destiny that wasn't dictated by hate and fear.

She pictured Skywalker's face in her mind, the brilliant blue eyes. A destiny of hope and promise…?

She waved the thought away. -Any idea where you'll start looking?-

A flicker of doubt crept into Luke's mind. -Not really. I'm not even sure how to start looking. The Force has been silent about the matter so far.-

That explained the peace he'd had…he'd been meditating about finding new Jedi, about training them.

-I wouldn't worry too much about the training, Skywalker. You're a natural teacher,- she told him. -So long as you keep doing what you're doing, I'm sure you'll do fine with your Jedi-students.-

The comment was unexpected, but Luke's presence in the Force brightened with the pleasure it caused him. -Thanks, Mara. I think I needed to hear that.-

-Yeah, well…- She shifted a little uncomfortably. Free of the Emperor or not, these little emotional moments never failed to make her feel like squirming. -Why don't you see if they'll come to you? Set yourself up somewhere and then spread the word that you're looking for Force-sensitives.-

-It's not a bad idea,- he agreed, and she felt that he was impressed. He hadn't thought of that approach, apparently. Then that emotion disappeared, and he became suddenly shy. Something skirted across his sense too fast for Mara to catch it, but he was definitely bashful. And even as she realized that it was rather amusing to be a source of shyness in the Jedi Knight, she pressed him, trying to read the answer from his thoughts.

-What's on your mind, Skywalker?-

He wriggled in discomfort, and acted slightly indignant. -I really did teach you too well,- he countered, and she smiled.

-Let's have it, Farmboy.-

-I was just…I was just thinking that…your training isn't nearly completed, and I know you have to get back to work, but maybe once I get a little settled…- His thoughts trailed off in a jumble, and Mara realized he was as flustered as she'd ever seen him. Gone was the great and noble Jedi. In his place was that moisture farmer turned crack-shot pilot.

-Maybe once you get settled…- she prompted, knowing the probable end of the sentence, but wanting to hear it from him.

-Maybe you'd consider stopping in now and then, just to keep up your progress. It wouldn't have to be too often, or when it's inconvenient. Just…when you're in the area.-

It was a new side to him. So often during their encounters, Skywalker had seemed so under control. Mara had always sensed the earnest shyness beneath the Jedi exterior, but her experiences with him were exclusively limited to times of great danger. This more personal, more vulnerable side was also slightly more disarming than she was willing to admit.

-We'll see. The schedule's usually pretty tight, and it sounds like you've got a lot of work to do before you're ready for me, anyway. Still, I could probably arrange to drop by every once in a while, just to stay in practice.-

He was clearly relieved, she could the waves of it in his sense. And hopeful -- he'd probably been expecting a much different answer. But Mara didn't see any point in squandering her abilities. The Jedi skills he'd reinforced since their trek through the forests of Wayland had come in handy more than once, and so long as he wasn't asking her to give up her life and dedicate it entirely to Jedi training, she didn't see any harm in dropping by for refresher courses when she could.

But that was in the future. -In the meantime, I'll keep alert for any Jedi candidates and let you know.-

-Thanks, Mara.- His gratitude was warm. -Really, that's a huge help. It's a big galaxy, I definitely couldn't find them all alone.-

-Don't mention it.- She wondered briefly if it had been wise to offer her help -- it certainly wouldn't help her distance herself from him. But he was right, it was a big galaxy, and perhaps if he got a couple Jedi-hopefuls to train, he would stay out of trouble for a while.

Something distracted him for a moment, and she could feel a flash of resigned frustration before he turned his attention back to her. She had a feeling someone required his Jedi skills, cutting this short and pulling him away from his private quarters.

-Duty calls,- he sent her with a mental sigh. -I'll try and catch you before you leave.-

-Sure,- Mara agreed, wondering what duty was calling. But he didn't seem to worried, just vaguely annoyed. -See ya around, Skywalker.-

-Goodnight, Mara.- And with one last brush against her sense, he retreated to his obligations. Mara let her focus slide, too, coming back to herself slowly. Her body registered the breeze and she realized that she should have brought a jacket with her -- she hadn't felt the cold while conversing with Skywalker, but now it was raising goosebumps on her arms.

What was it about him? Sure, Luke Skywalker had saved her life enough times to earn her trust. But it was more than that…over the past two months, he had earned her respect, as well. And not just the grudging respect that had first surfaced during their time on Myrkr, either. Would it be prudent to allow that respect to grow into friendship?

She wasn't sure yet, but perhaps some time away would clear it up. She sighed. It looked like the vacation was over. As soon as she and Karrde were off-planet, there would be plenty of catching up to do.

"Duty calls," she murmured, and stepped back inside her room. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

• • •

"Ya know," Han Solo commented wryly, "I'm starting to envy Chewie a bit." He leaned casually against the doorjamb of the twin's bedroom, his arms crossed over his chest and his familiar lopsided smile in place. Leia Organa Solo watched as he looked over his wife and children and felt his burst of peace and happiness. Han's smile widened a bit. Who'd have thought that the rogue smuggler would go from occasionally harassing Imperial ships to becoming a general in the Rebellion, marrying its princess, and now, all these years later, fathering a couple of his own rug rats?

Certainly not him, that was for sure. But he'd known all those years ago, the moment he'd met crazy Ben Kenobi and brash Luke Skywalker, that things wouldn't ever be the same. That conversation changed his life, and he'd guessed it even then. More and more often these days, he found himself thinking how absurdly grateful he was for that little encounter. He'd never put much stock into Luke's dated old religion, but he had to admit -- it did seem as though he and Leia had been drawn to each other by some larger, unseen Force. And he'd seen both his wife and his brother-in-law do amazing things with that Force. Over the years, he supposed he'd become something of a reluctant believer.

His wife looked at him, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You'd rather be helping establish the Noghri on Wayland?" She knew, of course, just what Han thought of the Noghri. And it wasn't much, although he'd grudgingly had to admit that his family was probably safer with the little gray aliens than with any number of New Republic security guards. A fact that had been proven far too recently for his liking, during a kidnapping attempt in the palace.

"If it'll keep us from getting hounded day and night by Mon Mothma and the rest of the council, than yes," he countered, and Leia made a face.

"You've got a point," she conceded, and straightened from the crib their twins were sleeping in. She walked to him, easing herself gratefully against his chest as his arms came around her. She smiled as he dropped a kiss to her forehead, letting herself relax for a moment. "But Han, we can't lose momentum now. With the Empire retreating and the new systems petitioning to become part of the New Republic, I have a feeling things are going to get even more busy, not less."

Han grimaced and tightened his arms around her. "Yeah, well, they do realize that we have two brand-new babies to worry about too, right?"

Leia's sigh ruffled his shirt. "Sometimes I wonder if that fact gets overlooked."

"Yeah." Her husband wriggled a bit. "Me too. I've got half a mind to bring the kids to the next meeting they drag you to. Maybe have Fey'lya change their nappies while you keep Garm and Mon Mothma from tearing each other apart."

She pinched him, although the idea was tempting. "It'll calm down," she reassured him. He didn't seem convinced.

"And if it doesn't? Look, Leia, I appreciate that no one has your talents when it comes to putting out these little fires, but now there's Jacen and Jaina to think about, not to mention the fact that you really should look into finishing your training with Luke. It will probably only make you more effective -- an not just in negotiations." Han's eyes closed for a moment, remembering the showdown with Joruus C'Baoth just a couple months ago. Though Luke and Mara had been there to help, he shuddered to think that one day, possibly, there would be a similar threat to his wife and their kids. After all, Luke said there would be other Force-sensitives in the galaxy, and Han was willing to bet that not all of them would be friendly.

"I know, and I am planning to…" But there was a hint of doubt in her voice. It was an old discussion, and he recognized the source of her doubt -- she wasn't sure that there ever would be time to properly complete her training. He sighed.

"I could just kidnap you."

"I don't think it counts as kidnapping if it's done by my husband," Leia retorted, and her smile was genuine and bright. He smiled back at her, brushing his fingers over her cheek. At least, in the midst of all the post-Thrawn craziness, he could still bring a real smile to his wife's face. Hopefully he'd be able to bring her some peace and quiet, too. He made a mental note to have a little chat with the Chief of State. A private little chat.

"It counts," he countered, and started to argue the point when a knock came on his door. He closed his mouth and Leia could feel his mood starting to darken. "I swear, if that is someone summoning you to an emergency council meeting--"

Leia cut him off, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "They probably would have hailed over the comm," she reminded him. Han's arms crossed firmly over his chest, a stubborn look in his eyes.

"Not necessarily," he argued. "Not if it's top-secret."

She couldn't exactly argue with that, but from what she could tell by stretching out with the Force, Han's fears of being dragged into another boring meeting were unfounded. She stroked his arm as she headed for the door. "It's just Wedge."

He relaxed, but not by much. It wasn't every evening the leader of the Rogue Squadron knocked on your door, either. And he could tell that something was wrong -- Leia's shoulders were stiffening as she got a better read of Wedge Antilles' emotions through the door. As it slid open, he saw for himself how agitated the pilot was.

"Hey, I think…I think we might have trouble." He slid into the apartment, drawing Leia into the living area gently. Han followed a couple paces behind, his own muscles tightening. Disheveled, with his dark hair tumbling over his forehead, Wedge looked a little paranoid and very restless. It was hard to ruffle the old Rogue, that much Han knew from experience, which meant that this was probably worse than being summoned by the council.

"I knew I had a bad feeling about this." His eyes narrowed as he caught Wedge's gaze. "What's up?"

"Look, it's definitely not been confirmed yet." Wedge winced and glanced around reflexively. Vaguely, Han realized that Wedge really was the worst lookout in the galaxy. Still, they were as safe here in the Solo's private apartments as anywhere -- his rudimentary lookout skills wouldn't be needed. "But I've been keeping in contact with one of Karrde's guys, Aves."

"I think Luke mentioned that he's running the show while Karrde's been ironing out the details of the Smuggler's Alliance," Leia murmured. Han nodded confirmation.

"Yeah, you're right. Mara said as much to me the other day on our way out of the negotiations. So what'd you hear from him?"

"He's doing some checking, but…he says that there are whispers in the outer systems that Thrawn didn't die during the Battle of Bilbringi. Rumor has it he survived the attack, and that his protégé, Captain Pellaeon, has spirited him away to some fringe system to recover."

The wave of shock the Leia caught from Han through the Force only added to her own. She steadied herself by gripping the back of the couch, staring at the pilot as if he'd just slapped her. Beside her, Han began to growl a curse.

"How sure is he?" she demanded, and Wedge shook his head helplessly.

"He says right now it's impossible to confirm -- he doesn't want to send a team of his own to investigate, not without express permission from Karrde, and to be honest, I don't see Karrde as risking his people like that for some vague stories." The pilot held out his hands, palms up, as a gesture helplessness. "And I doubt Mon Mothma will spare the Rogues, not without some kind of proof."

"But it was a Noghri assassin that stabbed him. They don't miss," Han reminded them. He shook his head. "Could just be a trick to get us panicked again. I wouldn't put it past the Empire." His tone implied, needlessly, that he wouldn't put much at all past the Empire.

Wedge nodded. "That's the problem -- it could all just be a ruse. But if it's not, if somehow Thrawn survived and is on the mend…"

"Wedge is right. We need to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, whether or not Thrawn survived Bilbringi." Leia's voice was grim. This was the last thing in the galaxy they needed, but if there was even the smallest possibility that someone with Thrawn's militaristic genius was still alive, they needed to prepare properly and simultaneously take moves to neutralize the threat.

"The council's never going to go for this, you know." Han shook his head. "If someone goes, it's gonna have to be unofficial. And you know what that means."

Leia sighed and tossed a glance in her husband's direction. "Do you want to tell him, or do you want me to?"

"Better let me do it. Wedge, see if you can get back into contact with Aves and try to narrow down a system. Or better, a planet. Leia, you should go see if Karrde's willing to spare a couple of able bodies. I'm not sending your brother in there alone. I'll get Chewie and Lando back here."

Leia sighed, reading his thoughts and knowing there weren't many alternatives. "Sure. Han…"

"I'll be okay, sweetheart. Just a quick reconnaissance mission, that's all. We'll get out before they start shooting."

"I've heard that before," she reminded him, but she knew that she couldn't be spared from her duties here on Coruscant, that secrecy and speed were of the utmost importance, and that Han wouldn't let Luke trek into that kind of danger without him. Then they both looked to Wedge. He started back at them for a moment, then made a command decision.

"Hey, I'm overdue on some leave time. Maybe I'll take a vacation."

Han snorted, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips in spite of the grimness of the situation. "Sounds like some vacation."

"Ought to be fun, at any rate," the pilot agreed, and headed for the door. "I'll see about getting us transport. Let me know when you're ready to head out."

"You got it. Keep that comlink on," Han agreed. Then he turned to Leia and dropped a kiss to her forehead. "I'd better go find the kid. You okay?"

"Just thinking that I'd better get the med center on standby. We've had plenty of practice at this, and Luke always says its wisest to learn from the past."

Han's grin was quick and crooked. "When'd your brother get so smart?"

Leia's answering smile had a touch of wryness. "It's one of those crazy Jedi things. Go on -- we don't exactly have time to spare, not if Thrawn's already had two months to recover."

"Yes, Your Highnessness." Bowing regally, Han gave her one last kiss before heading for the door. "I'll be back once I've got Luke."

"And I'll get in contact with Karrde and see what help I can buy us. Han--" He turned toward her as the door slid open. She smiled at him. "I love you."

He winked. "I know. May the Force be with you," he replied, and was gone, heading briskly toward the turbolifts.

"You too," she murmured as the door closed after him, and headed for their comm station.